There’s a certain thrill to turning a layover in Freetown into a quick city adventure. From FNA, the Water Taxi / Ferry can get you into town in around 180 minutes. Below, we’ll walk you through transport, budget, bags, and what’s actually worth seeing.
Pre-Departure Checklist
Three things to verify before you walk out of FNA:
- Can you legally enter Sierra Leone? Some nationalities need a visa even for a few hours. Check your passport’s validity too.
- Do you have enough time? With a 180-minute journey each way by Water Taxi / Ferry, you’ll want at least 5-6 hours total to make the trip worthwhile.
- How will you pay? Local currency is the SLL. Avoid exchanging money at the airport if you can — city-center ATMs usually give you a better deal.
Top Picks for a Quick Visit
Two recommendations for your time in Freetown:
Start with Cotton Tree. It’s a popular stop for visitors with limited time in Freetown. Then, if time allows, make your way to National Museum of Sierra Leone. Worth a stop if you have at least an hour to spare.
Not every layover calls for a city trip. If you’re staying at FNA, check out Lungi International Airport VIP Lounge or Local Craft Stalls & Duty-Free to keep yourself occupied.
Food Worth Trying
For food in Freetown, local travelers recommend Crown Bakery (Main Branch). If you have time for a second stop, Balmaya Restaurant is another popular pick.
Back at FNA, Airport Local Cuisine Stall is the go-to. Airport Snack & Coffee Bar rounds out your in-terminal options.
Getting to Freetown from the Airport
| Option | Approximate Time | Cost Level | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water Taxi / Ferry | ~180 min | $ | Recommended for layovers |
| Taxi / Ride-share | ~200 min | $$$ | Convenient but traffic-dependent |
For a layover, the Water Taxi / Ferry is usually the way to go. It’s predictable, which matters when you have a flight to catch. Taxis can be faster in ideal conditions but slower when traffic builds up.
Money & Budget Tips
Wondering how much cash to bring? For a few hours in Freetown, budget roughly $22 USD to cover transport, a meal, and incidentals.
The average cost of a meal here runs about $7 USD, and transport from the airport and back will add another $5 or so. Keep a small buffer for unexpected expenses.
Withdraw local currency from an ATM at the airport rather than using exchange counters — the rates are usually better.
Bag Storage Near FNA
Luggage storage options at FNA can vary. Rather than arriving and hoping for the best, look up nearby storage on platforms like Bounce or Stasher ahead of time.
Another option: if you’re only in Freetown for a couple of hours, a compact bag that you can carry comfortably saves you the hassle altogether.
Staying Connected
You’ll find free WiFi at FNA for basic browsing. If you plan to navigate Freetown or use ride-hailing apps, having mobile data is much more convenient. Consider setting up an eSIM through a provider like Airalo or Holafly before your trip — it takes a few minutes and saves you from hunting for SIM card kiosks.
Rest Areas & Lounges
If your layover is an overnight one or you just need to recharge, look for quiet seating areas near less-busy gates. Some travelers report finding usable rest spots near the international departures area at FNA.
For something more comfortable, check if there’s a lounge you can access — many offer day passes regardless of your airline or class of travel. Apps like LoungeBuddy can help you find options.
Final Thoughts
Whether you spend your layover in Freetown exploring the streets or relaxing at FNA, the key is to make the time feel worthwhile. A quick city visit can turn a tedious wait into the highlight of a long travel day.
Just keep your boarding pass handy and leave plenty of time to get back. Happy travels.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.